Westfalia Tow Bar Installation and Operating Instructions
WESTFALIA-Automotive GmbH
This document provides installation and operating instructions for Westfalia tow bars. It is essential to follow these guidelines for safe and correct installation and use.
Part Number: 317 140 600 001
Tow Bar Type: 321 851
Approval Number: E13 55R-01 3832
Class and Type of Attachment: A50-X
D-Value: 11.5 kN
Max. Vertical Load (S): 100 kg
Vehicle Compatibility
This tow bar is designed for the following vehicle models:
- Škoda Superb Limousine 2015 →
- Škoda Superb Combi 2015 →
- VW Passat B8 Limousine/Variant 2014 →
- VW Passat Alltrack 2015 →
General Information and Warnings
Important: National guidelines concerning the approval of mounted accessories must be observed.
Any alteration or modification of the tow bar itself is prohibited and will void the operating license/approval.
The tow bar is intended for towing trailers and for the use of load carriers. Any other use is prohibited.
Installation: This tow bar is a safety-critical component and must be fitted exclusively by qualified companies or personnel. Improper assembly can result in a serious accident hazard.
Parking Aid Systems: Vehicles equipped with parking assistance systems may experience malfunctions after the tow bar is mounted, as parts of the tow bar (e.g., the ball neck or coupling ball) might be within the sensor's detection range. In such cases, the sensing range may need to be adjusted, or the parking aid system deactivated. If using tow bars with removable or pivoting ball necks, parking aid malfunctions are unlikely when the ball neck is not in the operating position.
Fasteners: All fastening components (screws, washers, nuts, etc.) that are tightened by rotation angle control may only be used once per assembly. Re-use can compromise safety.
Clearance: Ensure sufficient clearance according to Appendix 7, Figures 25a and 25b of the ECE-R 55 regulations. This includes specific angular and distance requirements around the tow bar and vehicle.
Weight Limits: Adhere to the specified maximum vertical load (100 kg) and towing capacity as per the vehicle's registration documents.
Maintenance: Regular checks are recommended, especially after initial use (e.g., at 0km) and again after approximately 1000km of driving.
Note: The German text of these instructions is legally binding.
Installation Steps
The following steps outline the general installation process. Refer to specific vehicle manufacturer instructions for bumper removal and reinstallation.
Step 1: Preparation and Bumper Removal
Diagrams show the rear of Škoda Superb and VW Passat models with arrows indicating the general area for tow bar mounting.Diagrams illustrate the process of modifying or removing a section of the vehicle's bumper, with specific measurements (e.g., 15mm cutouts) indicated for certain models.
Prepare the vehicle by removing the rear bumper or relevant sections as per vehicle-specific instructions. Ensure any insulating material or underbody protection in the mounting area is removed.
Step 2: Mounting the Tow Bar
Diagrams show the tow bar assembly with numbered parts: 1. Tow bar frame, 2. Tow ball, 3. Electrical socket housing, 4. Mounting bolts.Diagrams illustrate access to the mounting points on the vehicle's chassis.
Position the tow bar frame onto the designated mounting points on the vehicle's chassis.
Secure the tow bar using the provided mounting bolts (e.g., M10x45, M12x75) and nuts.
Step 3: Tightening and Securing
Diagrams show the tightening of bolts (e.g., M10x45) with specified torque values (e.g., 50Nm + 180°) and (M12x75) with specified torque values (e.g., 95Nm + 90°).Diagrams illustrate the importance of using rotation-angle controlled fasteners only once.
Tighten all mounting bolts to the specified torque values. For bolts tightened by rotation angle, ensure they are used only once.
- M10x45 bolts: Tighten to 50 Nm plus an additional 180° turn.
- M12x75 bolts: Tighten to 95 Nm plus an additional 90° turn.
Step 4: Bumper Reinstallation and Final Checks
Diagrams show the reinstallation of the bumper, potentially with cutouts made in Step 1.Diagrams illustrate clearance checks and weight considerations.
Reinstall the vehicle's bumper, ensuring any necessary modifications (cutouts) are made correctly.
Perform final checks to ensure all components are securely fastened and that the tow bar is correctly installed and aligned.
Verify clearance requirements and ensure no interference with vehicle systems like parking sensors.
Post-Installation Check: It is recommended to re-check all fastenings after initial use (e.g., at 0km) and again after approximately 1000km of driving.
Technical Diagrams Overview
The document includes diagrams illustrating:
- Clearance Requirements (ECE-R 55): Detailed schematics showing required free space around the tow bar, including angular and dimensional specifications relative to the vehicle's structure and ground.
- Vehicle Fitment: Rear views of compatible Škoda and Volkswagen models, highlighting the areas where the tow bar is mounted.
- Tow Bar Assembly: An exploded view of the tow bar components, including the tow ball, frame, and mounting hardware, with part numbers and connection points.
- Installation Procedure: Visual steps showing the mounting of the tow bar to the vehicle chassis, including the use of specific bolts and their torque specifications.
- Bumper Modification: Illustrations detailing any necessary cuts or modifications to the vehicle's rear bumper to accommodate the tow bar.
- Torque Specifications: Visual callouts indicating the correct torque settings for various bolts used during installation (e.g., M10x45, M12x75).
- Weight and Load Information: Diagrams and text specifying maximum vertical load and towing capacity, and relating these to vehicle weight.
Declaration of Correct Assembly
The manufacturer declares that the tow bar type has been installed correctly according to the attachment points and manufacturer's specifications. The user has been informed about the use and maintenance of the tow bar.
(This section summarizes the declaration found on the last page of the PDF, which is not fully transcribed here but refers to correct installation and user information.)
